Where It Come From…
Well, bless your heart for askin’ ’bout the history of sweet tea in the American South. Now, let me take you on a little trip down memory lane.
You see, sweet tea ain’t just a drink, it’s a way of life down here. It’s as Southern as magnolias and front porch swings. Now, the roots of sweet tea go back to the early 19th century, but it really found its home in the hot, humid embrace of the Southern states.
Back in the day, tea was a luxury, and folks started brewin’ it up with a heapin’ helpin’ of sugar to make it more palatable. Now, sugar cane was growin’ like wildfire in the South, so it was practically callin’ out to be stirred into that tea.
The story goes that sweet tea really took off during the iced tea craze that hit the United States in the early 20th century. As ice became more widely available, Southern folks started chillin’ their sweet tea, and it became the go-to refreshment for beatin’ that sweltering Southern heat.
Now, every Southern family’s got their own secret recipe. Some like it so sweet it’ll make your teeth ache, and others prefer a more subtle sweetness. Lemons, mint, or just plain – everyone’s got their twist on the classic.
Sweet tea became a symbol of hospitality, you know. If you stepped into a Southern home, you could bet your boots you’d be offered a glass of sweet tea before you even had a chance to sit down. It’s the South’s way of sayin’, “Come on in, darlin’, make yourself at home.”
Makin’ It…
Well, darlin’, makin’ Southern sweet tea is as easy as pie. Here’s a simple recipe for y’all:
Ingredients:
- 4 to 5 family-size tea bags (or about 1 cup of loose Earl Grey tea)
- 1 quart of water for steeping
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Boil y’all some water in a pot or kettle. Once it’s a-steam, pour it over them tea bags in a heat-resistant pitcher.
- Let them tea bags steep in that hot water for ’bout 5 to 10 minutes. The longer you let ’em sit, the stronger the tea flavor.
- Now, pull them tea bags out and don’t be squeezin’ ’em, we want a smooth tea, not a bitter one.
- While that tea is still hot, stir in your sugar. Add more or less dependin’ on how sweet you like it. Stir it up real good till that sugar is all dissolved.
- If you fancy it, toss in some fresh mint leaves while the tea is still hot. It adds a little touch of Southern charm.
- Let that sweet tea cool down to room temperature, then stick it in the fridge. We want it nice and cold.
- When you’re ready to serve, fill up them glasses with ice cubes, pour in the sweet tea, and garnish with a slice of lemon if you please.
- Sit back, relax, and enjoy that good ol’ Southern sweet tea. It’s the nectar of the South, I tell ya.
Remember, sweetheart, every Southern kitchen’s got its own way of makin’ sweet tea, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it. Y’all come back!